Hello Friends!

Later this week I have my 66th birthday.  Today I'm proud to announce that I just completed a ride in the Bikes Not Bombs Bike-a-thon.  The ride was 32 miles and though the last few miles weren't exactly a picnic, the ride was a lot of fun and I feel incredibly grateful that I can still be this active.

One reason I ride is to make sure that people know about this terrific local organization.  Bikes Not Bombs collects bikes that would otherwise go to the dump, refurbishes them and sends them to countries where people have few transportation options.  Places like Uganda, Guatemala, Kenya, Rwanda.  They teach folks in those countries how to care for the bikes, giving them meaningful work.  And they have large programs for Boston teens, using the teens to fix many of the bikes that go overseas.  Teens get practical work experience, technical skills, and a place to hang out with cool adults when life on the streets gets too stressful. 

The program is designed so that everybody wins.  What's not to like?  This Bike-A-Thon is their major fundraiser and I'd love it if you can donate.  I've mailed this message to many folks - if everyone could give $10, we would easily meet my fundraising goal and help out this great organization.

Best wishes to everyone, Ava